This could severely impact small business owners however, given that many of them hold property such as trademarks and business real property in a safe harbour entity, outside of the operating entity in order to keep it safe, Mr Butler explained.

Under the current law, where an asset such as business real property is held in a safe entity, it’s still considered to be an active asset by virtue of the fact that it’s used in a connected entity’s business, he said.

However, if the proposed change goes ahead, assets held in this safe harbour entity will no longer be eligible for the small business concessions.

“Unless the business real property is held in the business entity, there will be no CGT relief under div 152 for the business real property,” he said.

“If passed, this will adversely impact many SMEs and farmers. It is a major change that will also catch many unsuspecting advisers and taxpayers out.”

Mr Butler said there would not be any grandfathering for existing business assets and that any capital gain that occurs will be subject to the rules that exist at the time.